It is time for a new CARICOM policy on marijuana

It is time for a regional policy that accepts limited possession and a regional medical marijuana industry

The Nassau Guardian (Bahamas)August 17, 2016

In April 2016 the UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs ended without any significant change to the the UN Drug Control Conventions, despite strong representations for reform from Latin American and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries seeking a less prohibitionist global regime. Jamaica’s minister of foreign affairs, Kamina Johnson-Smith, argued against a one size fits all approach, observing that all countries should be allowed the flexibility to craft appropriate laws and policies while continuing to undertake their international obligations. “We contend that the classification of cannabis under the Single Convention is an anomaly and that the medical value of a substance must be determined by science and evidence-based analysis, above other considerations,” Johnson-Smith said.

This website

UN Drug Control

In 2011 the 1961 UN Single Convention on drugs will be in place for 50 years. In 2012 the international drug control system will exist 100 years since the International Opium Convention was signed in 1912 in The Hague. Does it still serve its purpose or is a reform of the UN Drug Conventions needed? This site provides critical background.